Why Ifeanyi Okowa is already Delta’s Governor-in-waiting

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The case of Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, outgoing Senator representing Delta North senatorial district and governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party for Delta State is aptly described by the cliched saying. Often underrated, his leadership qualities and ability to rally the troops do not get much attention, as are his qualifications as a true democrat. 

He has been commissioner, then secretary to the state government as well as Senator in what remains one of the most distinguished political career trajectories across Nigeria.

And he has the educational qualifications too. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he studied Medicine and Surgery and went on to become a successful medical practitioner for over two decades. 

When the 55-year old man who began his political career in 1991, he probably had no idea how far he would go but his astute leadership qualities have kept him going till now.

As he flies the flag of the sinking PDP this weekend in the oil-rich Delta state, many may have been speculating on the perceived failure of his ambition. This is coming in the wake of the (former) ruling party’s loss at the just concluded presidential elections. Considering that before the supposed setback he was well on his way to record a landslide victory within the state, doubts have begun to set in for many of his supporters. But here’s why Okowa will triumph on Saturday.

The All Progressives Congress’ national hierarchy may have stepped in to shore up the confidence and strategies for its candidate in the state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor but the momentum is still with Okowa.

First and foremost, the Urhobos (Delta Central), the majority ethnic group in the state and the largest voting bloc will definitely split their votes between the three major contenders - Okowa, Emerhor and serial contender, Great Ogboru of the Labour Party. Add this to the votes Okowa will garner from across the other two senatorial districts by virtue of his being the only candidate from the Delta North and his running mate being an Ijaw from the Delta South senatorial district.

Then again, the PDP has performed creditably in Delta state in the areas of infrastructure, welfare, sports, power and more. It will therefore come as no surprise when they vote en masse for the party’s candidate.

Also, Deltans are known to be peace-loving people and will vote for equality according to the gentleman’s zoning agreement that has been in place since 1999. James Ibori from Delta Central was governor after Felix Ibru in the 90s, also from the same zone. Next was Emmanuel Uduaghan from Delta South and the party graciously zoned the position to the Delta North zone which has produced an outstanding candidate in Senator Okowa.

Apart from being an easygoing statesman with an amiable personality, he has proved time and time again that he is the best person for the job in several capacities as a bridge builder and unifier, whose first point of call is service to the people. Okowa is clearly an individual who prides himself in service to his people.

It is the dream of every Deltan to see their state get better. It is even a bigger dream to see at the helm of state government affairs, a man who puts his people first and who will go the extra mile to improve their standard of living. That man is Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta’s Governor-in-waiting.